The Jerry Springer Show is set to end in 2019. Jerry Springer’s time on television is not.
The longtime talk show host will transition to presiding over a TV courtroom in Judge Jerry, a syndicated series set to launch in fall 2019. Distributor NBCUniversal has sold the show in 75 percent of the country.
“For the first time in my life, I am going to be called honorable,” said Springer. “My career is coming full circle, and I finally get to put my law degree to use after all these years.”
Prior to launching his talk show in 1991, Springer was a lawyer; he served on the city council in Cincinnati and was mayor of the city for one year in the late 1970s.
Judge Jerry will have a similar setup to other court shows, with parties to small-claims cases agreeing to argue their cases on camera. Springer will render verdicts and offer a “dose of classic Springer wisdom” in each case.
“Judge Jerry will merge Jerry’s talent for connecting with people, his incredibly relatable and funny personality and his legal training and governing experience to bring viewers a more entertaining court show,” said Tracie Wilson, executive vp creative affairs at NBCUniversal Television Distribution. “We are so happy to continue our fantastic partnership with Jerry, who is a proven TV icon with a dedicated and broad fan base.”
Springer’s talk show, also distributed by NBCU, stopped taping new episodes earlier this year. Previously produced shows air on CW stations; The CW had an option to pick up new episodes.
Judge Jerry has been sold to a number of TV station groups, including Tribune, Sinclair, Weigel, Hearst, Cox, Sun Beam, Block, Raycom, Tegna, Scripps, Meredith and Capital.
